How playfulness shapes resilience…
Playfulness goes beyond simply “reframing” situations—it enhances reality by opening up new ways of thinking and feeling. It allows us to adapt, find joy, and grow during even the most difficult circumstances. This emotional flexibility is at the heart of resilience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at Oregon State University, Shen and Crawley, conducted a study to understand how playfulness helps people navigate large-scale disruptions. Their findings shine a light on the transformative power of playfulness and why it’s a skill worth cultivating.
What Makes Playfulness So Powerful?
It keeps us in the moment with greater immersion, activeness and positive affect. Shen refers to “lemonading” where we turn lemons into lemonade by creatively reframing tough situations to find joy and opportunity, even during challenges, and creatively problem solve with greater focus and clarity. Playfulness doesn't distort reality, it enhances it!
Want to Cultivate More Playfulness?
🎲 Engage in Joyful Activities:
Seek hobbies and experiences that excite you and bring happiness.
🎲 Embrace Spontaneity and Creativity:
Try new approaches to routine tasks and allow for unstructured exploration.
🎲 Surround Yourself with Playful People:
Spend time with those who inspire laughter and a playful mindset.
Playfulness isn’t just child’s play—it’s a vital skill for resilience. It helps us adapt, grow, and discover joy even in the face of adversity. Here we go again 🤔, learning so much from kids! Or perhaps it may be better to ask when and why our learnings as kids took a back seat?
By cultivating playfulness, we can approach life with greater creativity, flexibility, and optimism, turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.
Shen and Crawley’s research revealed that even 10 mins a day, solo or shared, can make a meaningful difference.
So, how will you embrace more playfulness in your life?
Let’s start “lemonading” together! 🍋✨ Share your thoughts or strategies for cultivating playfulness.